trouser length

Rule 1: Trousers should have one clean break at the front, and none at the back


These statements are not contradictory. That is one of the most important things to understand about the traditions of menswear.

All rules have a rationale behind them. They are useful rules of thumb that become formalised over time.

And they become formalised because they have practical advantages that encourage men to apply them regularly.


But, when a man is walking they have sufficient length to not flap around and expose the ankle.



That’s why the rule, or guideline, exists. But once you know this, there is nothing wrong with breaking it. Knowing why the rule is there helps you break it well.

For example, men on the European continent tend to wear their trousers shorter. They do that because they like a clean line at the front of the trouser as well as the back, and don’t mind exposing their footwear, and perhaps their socks, to more inspection.

Both are more a part of their outfit than for a English or American man. To quote one famous Italian “I don’t necessarily want people to see my socks, but I want to make sure they can see my shoes.”


Personally, I tend more towards the longer length with more formal clothing like suits, and towards the latter with more casual trousers. 

Once you know why the rules are there, you can work out how to break them effectively.

(It’s also worth remembering that while trousers can be slanted at the bottom a little to minimise the break at the front, this is less possible on turn-ups, such as those shown above. They therefore often have to sit a little higher.)